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2015 ANNUAL REPORT CASTLE ROCK TOWNSHIP ANNUAL MEETING MARCH 8, 2016
2015 ANNUAL REPORT
CASTLE ROCK TOWNSHIP ANNUAL MEETING
MARCH 8, 2016
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2015 TOWNSHIP INFORMATION FOR 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL MEETING MARCH 8, 2016
CASTLE ROCK TOWNSHIP 2537 240TH STREET WEST FARMINGTON, MN 55024
PHONE: (651) 460-2221 FAX: (651) 463-3569
Office Hours vary. Hours are updated weekly on the website, voice mail, and posted at the front door. Supervisors
Sandy Weber, Chair Russ Zellmer, Vice Chair Dave Nicolai Jeff Partington Jon Juenke Clerk
Barbara Lang Treasurer
Rhonda Rademacher Planning Commission
Jon Juenke, Chair Jerry Larson, Vice Chair Jeff Partington Mary Ann Enggren Barbara Lang, Secretary Road Committee
Russ Zellmer, Board Representative Mark Henry David Mumm John Day Jim Ozmun Ken Betzold Road Maintenance
Mark Henry
Building Official
MNSPECT Scott Qualle Township Attorney
Troy Gilchrist Kennedy & Graven, Chartered
Misc. Committees/Board Representatives
Farmington Fire Department Dave Nicolai
Randolph-Hampton Fire Department Dave Nicolai
N. Cannon River Watershed & Chub Creek Advisory Sandy Weber
Vermillion Watershed Sandy Weber
CEEF Jeff Partington
Parks Committee Jeff Partington
City of Farmington/Castle Rock Township OAA Discussion Group Sandy Weber & Russ Zellmer
Citizens Committee to Review Building Permit Process & Fees Jon Juenke
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CASTLE ROCK TOWNSHIP March 8, 2016
TREASURER’S REPORT Account Beginning Balance 01/01/15 Receipts Disbursements Ending Balance 12/31/15 Interest Rate
General Fund
Savings $365,895.12 $474,818.69 $340,128.73 $500,585.08 1.00%
Checking Account – Castle Rock $18,759.28 $390,757.21 $392,066.44 $17,450.05
Road & Bridge Fund
Savings - Road Turnback $244,035.06 $2,442.78 $246,477.84 1.00%
CD #10480 – Castle Rock $101,125.68 $378.54 $101,504.22 -0- 0.75%
CD #11172 – Castle Rock $100,376.42 $754.94 $101,131.36 0.75%
Capital Projects Fund
Capital Roads – Anchor Bank $16,034.44 $8.02 $16,042.46 0.05%
Capital Building – Anchor Bank $12,523.49 $6.26 $12,529.75 0.05%
Capital Roads CD – Castle Rock $10,000.00 $200.00 $200.00 $10,000.00 2.00%
TOTALS $868,749.49 $869,366.44 $833,899.39 $904,216.54
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The Board of Supervisors Chair 2015 Annual Report for Annual Meeting
March 8, 2016
This year has been an eventful year for us as we explore solar technology. We have had lawyers, the
township engineer, as well as our township planner help us with all the complexities involved in the
details from writing an ordinance amendment to dealing with environmental issues, which included the
required public meetings.
Castle Rock is an agricultural community, and the town board, as your governing body, always keeps
this in mind when considering any new opportunities that come to our community.
Most areas were below budget in 2015, and a 0% levy is being proposed for the year 2016.
The Board of Supervisors also volunteer for several standing committees, listed below:
Farmington Fire Dept. /Hampton – Randolph Fire Dept. Dave Nicolai
Roads Russ Zellmer
Parks and CEEF Jeff Partington
(Castle Rock, Eureka, Empire and Farmington Organization)
Planning Commission Jon Juenke
NCRW (North Cannon River Watershed) Sandy Weber
Vermillion River Watershed Mike Slavik County Commissioner
OAA (Orderly Annexation Agreement with Farmington) Russ Zellmer and Sandy Weber
In addition this past year, a Citizens Task Force was formed to review the building permit process,
which was overseen by Jon Juenke. Their findings and final report is included with the other annual
reports.
The Supervisors have the opportunity to attend several training classes provided by the Minnesota
Association of Townships each year. The Association lobbies at the State level on topics that affect
townships, and updates us on new legislation that could affect us locally, as well as training us in how
to be better Supervisors.
Rhonda Rademacher was appointed for a two year term as Treasurer of Castle Rock Township in April
2015. Rhonda has attended CTAS training, which is the State of Minnesota’s accounting software
program for townships. Rhonda prepares all the financial reports and files the necessary reports and
payments to the various government entities in a timely manner.
Barbara Lang, the Township Clerk, also has many responsibilities. She handles all the paperwork and
day to day operations in the township office, including phone calls, building permits, elections, handling
complaints, and the many other things that arise. Barbara also keeps track of when and what reports
that are required to be completed and submitted to all the other government offices on behalf of the
Township.
Thank you to all the other volunteers who step up to help keep Castle Rock a viable community.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra L. Weber, Chair (651) 463-4725, e-mail: [email protected]
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CLERK REPORT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING, MARCH 8, 2016
The 2015 Board of Supervisors consisted of: Sandy Weber-Chair, Russ Zellmer-Vice Chair, and Jeff
Partington, Jon Juenke, and Dave Nicolai Supervisors.
Legal notices are published in the Township’s official newspapers: the Farmington Independent and the Cannon Falls Beacon.
Legal posting places are Castle Rock Banks in Castle Rock and Farmington, Farmers Mill and Elevator in Castle Rock, and the Castle Rock Town Hall.
Castle Rock Bank is the primary bank for the Township, and Anchor Bank is the secondary bank.
The primary attorneys for the Township are Kennedy & Graven, Chartered; and secondary attorneys are Schmitz, Ophaug, Dowd & Blumhoefer LLP.
The Township issued 61 building permits including agricultural, septic, mechanical, plumbing, residential, commercial, re-window, re-siding, and re-roof.
The address for the website is www.castlerocktownship.com The e-mail address for the Township is [email protected]
Ordinances adopted in 2015: 1. Ordinance 2015-A, An Ordinance Amending the Castle Rock Township Zoning Ordinance
(Ordinance No. 2013-01), adopted January 12, 2015. 2. Ordinance 2015-B, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 2013-01 Castle Rock Township
Zoning Ordinance, adopted November 9, 2015.
Resolutions adopted in 2015: 1. Resolution 2015-01, a Resolution approving summary language for publication of an
Ordinance amending the Castle Rock Township Zoning ordinance, adopted January 12, 2015.
2. Resolution 2015-02, a Resolution regarding the appeal brought by the Al Maghfirah Cemetery Association, adopted February 9, 2015.
3. Resolution 2015-03, a Resolution approving a Conditional Use Permit for a wireless communication tower and equipment shelter located at 24402 Denmark Ave, Farmington, MN, adopted March 20, 2015.
4. Resolution 2015-04, a Resolution approving Treasurer access to on-line banking, adopted May 11, 2015.
5. Resolution 2015-04A, an Amended Resolution approving Treasurer access to on-line banking, adopted May 26, 2015.
6. Resolution 2014-05, a Resolution approving a parcel split for the property located at 3555/3655 280th Street West, adopted June 8, 2015.
7. Resolution 2015-06, a Resolution approving a parcel split for the property located at 1481 240th Street West, adopted September 14, 2015.
8. Resolution 2015-07, a Resolution approving a variance for 27551 Danville Avenue, adopted October 13, 2015 (Note: Variance was approved in 2014 but paperwork was completed in 2015).
9. Resolution 2015-08, a Resolution approving summary language for publication of an Ordinance amending the Castle Rock Township Zoning Ordinance, adopted November 9, 2015.
Approved parcel splits in 2015: 1. 3555 280th Street W, Northfield, MN 2. 1481 240th Street W, Farmington, MN
Approved building rights transfers in 2015: 1. 3196 240th Street W, Farmington, MN
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The Castle Rock website continues to be updated by the Clerk. Several useful links have been added
to the “Links” tab make it easier for our residents to find local information. If there is something missing
you’d like to see on the website; please send your ideas and suggestions to our email
A special “Meet the Candidates” edition of the Castle Rock Chronicle was mailed out prior to the
township elections. A volunteer has expressed interest to help with writing the Castle Rock Chronicle,
so there is a possibility that the newsletter will be re-established this year if arrangements work out. If
anyone is interested in helping to write the newsletter or contact local businesses to sell advertising
space, please contact the Clerk.
I have attended training classes offered by the Minnesota Association of Townships when they are
offered to continue my education as the Township Clerk and learn about important updates that are
shared with the Board of Supervisors.
Rhonda Rademacher was appointed as the new Township Treasurer last April. She and I have gone
through additional training for the updated accounting software that the State now recommends to be
used for all township financial records. She is usually at the Town Hall during the posted office hours,
which is a great help with the phones and other office duties.
I appreciate the residents of the Township working with the office hours being flexible to accommodate
my personal schedule. Each week the website, voice mail and sign at the front door are updated with
the hours for that week, which seems to be working well.
Barbara M. Lang, Clerk
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ROAD COMMITTEE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING, MARCH 8, 2016
The Board of Supervisors of Castle Rock Township along with the assistance of the Road Committee
continued its efforts to provide the Township with good roads within a reasonable budget.
The following projects were completed in 2015:
1. CIP for maintenance of the large concrete culvert on Danville Ave was completed. In addition, ditch cleanout was done on the north end of Danville.
2. Limerock was placed on 265th St. from County Rd. 79 to township line, Denmark Ave. from 240th St. to 255th St., 270th St. from Cambodia Ave. to Akron Ave. and spot gravel (limerock) as needed throughout the township. All township roads have now been converted to limerock.
3. Crack sealing was done in Castle Rock Village. The Town Hall parking lot was done at the same time.
4. Dustproofing was placed in front of residences on various highly-travelled township roads to reduce maintenance.
5. Failing culverts were replaced on Denmark Ave., 270th St. and 230th St.
6. Milling and overlay were done on Alverno Ave.
Mowing of right-of-ways was continued in addition to spraying for wild parsnip. Township is continuing the program of mowing in the spring and spraying in the fall to continue attempts to control this noxious weed.
The Road Committee, in conjunction with the Board of Supervisors, continues to maintain the quality of
the township roads through planning and maintenance of existing township roads. An ongoing
emphasis has been placed on re-establishing drainage, maintaining Right-of-Way sight lines, upgrading
of signs and gravel placement.
The Rocky Hills addition had ongoing drainage issues for many years and in 2014 the township had
culvert and ditch work done as recommended by our engineering firm, in an effort to stop flooding of
resident’s property. Blacktopping was completed in 2015 after proper settling of material. There are
photos on file showing proper drainage contained after a large rain early in 2015.
Respectfully submitted,
Russell Zellmer, Board Representative
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PLANNING COMMISSION
2015 ANNUAL REPORT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING, MARCH 8, 2016
The year of 2015 was relatively busy for the Planning Commission. Regular monthly meetings were
held, usually on the fourth Monday of each month. Primarily, the review of permits, parcel splits,
building rights transfers, and providing answers to various land use applications were the topics at
monthly meetings.
Two Ordinance amendments were enacted during 2015, one that updated language for acceptable
land uses in the various zoning categories, and the other was to add language to authorize Solar
facilities within the township. This included the Planning Commission overseeing the required Public
Hearings before the Ordinance Amendments went to the Board of Supervisors for final review and
ratification.
In addition, Interim Use Permits for two solar facilities were reviewed, and the required Public Hearings
for both projects were held in December. The Board of Supervisors acted on these in January 2016.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Lang, Secretary for the Planning Commission
Attest:
Jon Juenke, Chair
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PARK COMMITTEE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING MARCH 8, 2016
The Park Committee oversees two parks, one located on Highway 50, by Countryside Estates and the
other in Rocky Hills Addition.
This past year, 2015, we worked with Dakota County to obtain new trash and recycle containers that
will be placed in Countryside Estates Park in the spring of 2016.
Unfortunately, the baseball field has not been used very much, but we will continue to keep it cleaned
up as part of park maintenance.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeff Partington (Supervisor), Park Committee
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FINAL REPORT OF CITIZEN’S COMMITTEE REVIEWING PERMIT FEES FINDINGS OF FACTS:
o There are two parts to the calculation of the building permit cost. Valuation of the project Adoption of the fee schedule
Consensus of the group is; the fee schedule is fair, however, the valuation is inconsistent and arbitrary.
o The appeal process for residents to approach the Board with questions they have on their permits is inconsistent and at times nonexistent.
o The application of the fee schedule to, plumbing, mechanical and ag-buildings is inconsistent. Plumbing and mechanical fees are $75, based on the adopted fee schedule. Actual charges to residents range from $40 - $85. Permit fee for an ag-building is $150.
In 2014, two residents were issued ag-building permits for $0. o The task force could not determine if any inspections were performed or if any
of the required set-backs were checked on these two ag-buildings. o The contract for services between MNSPECT, LLC and Castle Rock Township is inconsistently followed.
In Appendix A, section 5, Cost to Municipality for Services, the agreement states the Building Inspector shall receive 100% of the plan review fee.
CR Township was billed by MNSPECT and paid: o 85% for commercial plan reviews and o 65% for residential plan reviews
The agreement also states the inspector shall receive 65% of the building permit for residential projects.
CR Township was billed by MNSPECT and paid: o 50% for residential building permits
The contract is void in addressing:
Any penalty fees assessed or
How the inspector is reimbursed RECOMMENDATIONS:
o Valuations of projects: Recommend the CR Board instruct the Inspector to use the lowest actual cost of construction to
value a project.
This may include verified bids, actual invoices or other verifiable construction estimates. The purpose of the building permit process and fee is to establish a system that provides for safe
and healthy remodeling and new construction techniques. It is not intended to be profit generating for CR Township, nor for the Inspector to generate undue income.
o Appeals process for residents/owners to CR Board: Recommend residents/owner are be able to approach the elected officials on any legitimate
matters and receive CR Board decisions in a timely manner.
The township form of government is a grass root election of people to serve the residents of the community. It is for the common or ordinary people as contrasted with the leadership or elite of a political party or social organization.
o Application of permit fees: Recommend fee schedule be strictly and consistently adhered to provide fair and equitable
treatment to all residents. Recommend a clear definition for Ag, Residential and Commercial permits.
o Contact discrepancies: Recommend CR Board and MNSPECT adopt an amended billing schedule to follow the current
practices in reimbursing the inspections.
Presently, the Township is receiving a financial benefit by paying MNSPCT a lower percentage rate than the contracted cost.
Two years remain on the current contract agreement so a written clarification of the billing discrepancies needs to be put in place.
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NORTH CANNON RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION 2015 ANNUAL REPORT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING, MARCH 8, 2016
North Cannon River Watershed Management Organization, herein after referred to as (NCRWMO)
now meets three times a year rather than quarterly. The contact for this group is Brad Becker at
[email protected] or (651) 480-7777, at the Dakota County Soils and Water
Department.
The NCRWMO is a governmental unit created in 1983 through a joint powers agreement between
the eight townships and three small cities in Dakota County that are located within the Cannon
River Watershed. The NCRWMO's Board of Managers is comprised of one primary and one
alternative representative from each of these eleven communities: Castle Rock Township, Douglas
Township, Eureka Township, Greenvale Township, Hampton Township, Randolph Township,
Sciota Township, Waterford Township, City of Miesville, City of New Trier, and the City of
Randolph.
The NCRWMO covers 95,577 acres (149.3 miles), including the sub-watersheds of Chub Creek,
Mud Creek, Pine Creek, Trout Book, and the Cannon River from Northfield to Lake Byllesby.
Some of the goals of the NCRWMO's Watershed Management are to protect natural areas, protect
and monitor wetlands, monitor groundwater, evaluate and control soil erosion, monitor surface
water and in-stream habitat quality, and monitor surface water quantity. In addition, NCRWMO’s
position is to develop information and to educate citizens as to what programs are available to
them. There are also grants available each year.
Trout Brook is just one of the projects that the NCRWMO has been monitoring for water quality
since 1985. If you have questions or a possible project for your land in the NCRWMO, Brad Becker
would be the best contact to help you.
Submitted by Sandy Weber
Castle Rock Representative to NCRWMO
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VERMILLION RIVER WATERSHED JOINT POWERS ORGANIZATION 2015 ANNUAL REPORT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING, MARCH 8, 2016
Dakota and Scott counties formed the VRWJPO to implement the 2005 Watershed Plan. The updated
Watershed Management Plan is expected to be adopted in June 2016. The Watershed Plan leads the
development and implementation of policies, programs, and projects that protect and preserve water
resources in the 335-square mile area that drains to the Vermillion River and its tributaries. A link to the
Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) can be found on the Castle Rock
Township website, and that link includes the draft version of the updated plan. The VRWJPO website
gives you the information you need as to who to call if you have a question or comment.
The VRWJPO is governed by a three-member Joint Powers Board consisting of county
commissioners. A nine-member citizen advisory Watershed Planning Commission supports the Joint
Powers Organization. Based on tax capacity, Dakota and Scott Counties jointly fund the administration
and activities of the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization.
For those of you who live in the Vermillion River Watershed the website will tell you who to contact if
you have a land problem. There are many grants available for residents to be able to help with projects
they may need done on their land.
Submitted by Sandy Weber
Castle Rock Township
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CASTLE ROCK TOWNSHIP
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
AND BOARD OF CANVASS MEETING
Notice is hereby given to the qualified voters of Castle Rock Township, County of
Dakota, State of Minnesota, that the Annual Election of Town Officers and Annual
Township Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. In case of inclement
weather, the meeting and election may be postponed until the third Tuesday in March.
The Election Poll Hours will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., at which time the
voters will elect:
One (1) Supervisor (A) for a 3 year term
One (1) Supervisor (B) for a 3 year term
The Annual Election will be held at the following location:
Castle Rock Town Hall
2537 240th Street West
Farmington, MN 55024
(240th and Biscayne Ave)
The Annual Meeting will commence at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Castle
Rock Town Hall, to conduct all necessary business prescribed by law.
The Board of Canvass will meet on March 8, 2016, following the Annual meeting, to
certify the official election results.
Castle Rock Township
Barbara Lang, Clerk
Posted: February 16, 2016
Published: February 18, 2016
February 25, 2016
